Body Part - Breast

BI-RADS CATEGORY 2 BENIGN FINDINGS

This is very similar to BI-RADS Category 1 Negative. There are no worrisome findings. There may be benign findings such as a cyst or intramammary lymph nodes (a normal finding). There is no evidence of cancer.

BI-RADS CATEGORY 3 PROBABLY BENIGN FINDING

This means that there is a “probably benign” finding with a low chance of cancer. In fact, this designation means that there is less than 2% risk of cancer. The usual recommendation is to do a follow up study (i.e. mammogram and/or ultrasound) in 6 months. If the patient is uneasy about waiting 6 months, she can request a biopsy for a more immediate result.

BI-RADS CATEGORY 4 SUSPICIOUS ABNORMALITY

There is a chance that the abnormal finding is cancer. A biopsy should be performed. Some radiologists divide this category into 4A ( low suspicion for cancer), 4B (intermediate suspicion for cancer) and 4C ( moderate suspicion for cancer ).

BI-RADS CATEGORY 5 HIGHLY SUGGESTIVE OF MALIGNANCY

There is a very high probability (greater than 95%) that there is cancer. Biopsy is strongly recommended.

BI-RADS CATEGORY 6 KNOWN BIOPSY-PROVEN MALIGNANCY

The finding on the mammogram or ultrasound is already known to be cancer.

BIOPSY MARKER (CLIP)

This is a small piece of metal (usually titanium) that is placed at the location of the biopsy within the breast. This is done because sometimes a mass or calcification can be hard to see after a biopsy. If the biopsy results turn out to be cancerous, the biopsy marker will allow the radiologist to relocate the area of concern. Then, the radiologist can mark the spot so that the surgeon can cut out the area of concern. The marker (clip) comes in many different shapes. Some of the common shapes are ribbon, wing and coil.

BRANCHING CALCIFICATIONS

If these calcifications are irregular in shape and are seen only in one part of the breast, there is a chance that these are cancerous. If these are rod-shaped with smooth

outlines and are diffuse (everywhere) in the breast, there is a good chance that these are not cancerous. The radiologist will decide if the patient should have a biopsy for these calcifications.

BRCA1

Human gene that produces a protein (different from BRCA2) that helps to repair damaged DNA (help prevent cancer). When there is a mutation in this gene, it is harder for the body to repair damaged DNA. Because of this, there is increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

BRCA2

Human gene that produces a protein (different form BRCA1) that helps to repair damaged DNA (help prevent cancer). When there is a mutation in this gene, it is harder for the body to repair damaged DNA. Because of this, there is increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.